This is an interesting question. The answer for me is “yes”, I am still the same person. In my eyes it is that simple, however, I am aware that it may look like I am not. I am the same person but I now have reasons for all the ‘unusual’ feelings and behaviours I have. It was very easy for me to come to terms with my diagnosis because, to me, I have always been me. I have never had to hide anything from myself. Diagnosis has been very relieving and empowering and it has led me to find something I can really relate to. Basically, diagnosis meant I finally fit into a label (after spending many years not fitting in to anything), and consequently, I now have the confidence to exist as I was always meant to: a person on the autistic spectrum.
Even though I am ok and comfortable with who I am, it seems that it is more difficult for others to come to terms with me. Post-diagnosis, one of the most difficult things I’ve faced is having – or choosing – to disclose to the people who knew me before. It’s hard because they saw me how I once was: the person who tried to fit in.
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